Chairperson of the African Union Advisory Board Against Corruption, Edem Senanu, says Africa’s fight against corruption has yet to produce visible results despite the country’s existing anti-corruption laws.

According to him, the challenge goes beyond legislation, pointing instead to a lack of integrity among individuals and institutions.

“We lack the integrity and the dignity to uphold the values of doing the right thing and proactively influence others to do the right thing,” he said.

Senanu made the remarks while delivering the opening address at the African Anti-Corruption Day commemoration, held under the theme, “Scaling Up Integrity and Anti-Corruption Actions Among Young Professionals Across Africa.”

He noted that achieving the aspirations of Agenda 2063 – “The Africa We Want” requires a shift in strategies that place greater emphasis on integrity and accountability.

The event organised by The Bright Future Alliance (TBFA) and partnered by Ghana Anti-Corruption Coalition (GACC) brought together anti-corruption advocates, policymakers and youth leaders from across the continent, including representatives from Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Somalia, and other African countries. Discussions centered on the role of young professionals in promoting ethical leadership and combating corruption.

Speaking on the topic, Youth Parliamentarian from Zimbabwe, Fundile Nkala, urged young Africans to move beyond merely identifying corruption to building systems that promote absolute integrity.

She stressed that integrity should not depend solely on an individual’s moral values but must be embedded within institutions through strong systems and policies. Nkala also highlighted the role of technology in reducing corruption, saying digital and automated systems can minimize human interference and limit opportunities for manipulation.

Also contributing to the discussion, Botswana-based anti-corruption campaigner Pusetso Morapedi addressed the risks faced by young professionals who choose to stand against corruption.

She said no one should suffer for doing the right thing and encouraged organizations to strengthen protections for whistleblowers. Morapedi advised young professionals to familiarize themselves with their institutions’ whistleblower and ethics policies to safeguard themselves against retaliation.

She also urged them to exercise caution regarding the documents they sign, the individuals they associate with in the workplace, and any activities that could unknowingly involve them in corrupt practices.

Meanwhile, Somalia’s Anti-Corruption Champion, Ahmed Yousuf Abdi, observed that corruption continues to deny many young professionals opportunities they deserve.

He called for greater transparency to reduce favoritism and promote merit-based opportunities. Abdi further encouraged Gen Z to harness the power of social media to educate citizens about the dangers of corruption, raise public awareness, and make corrupt practices socially unacceptable.

The discussions underscored the critical role young professionals play in shaping a more transparent and accountable Africa, with speakers calling for stronger institutions, technological innovation, and a renewed commitment to integrity as essential tools in the fight against corruption.